Agenda and draft minutes

To consider and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 9 July 2024 as a true and correct record of the proceedings and to be signed by the Chair.

In the previous meeting held on 9 July 2024, it was agreed to seek further information regarding the new IT system for drainage. The Chair confirmed this information had been received but not in time to be included as part of the agenda. The information would be circulated to Members after the meeting via email. 

Resolved:-

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 9 July 2024 be approved as a true and correct record of the proceedings.

To receive declarations of interest from Members in respect of items listed on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest

To receive questions relating to items of business on the agenda from members of the public or press who are present at the meeting.

The Chair advised that there were no members of the public or representatives of media organisations present at the meeting and there were no questions in respect of matters on the agenda.

To consider whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of any part of the agenda.

Resolved:-

That under Section 100(A) 4 of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for agenda item 19 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12(A) of such Act indicated, as now amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006. This is formal notice under the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 of Key Decisions due to be taken by the Authority and of those parts of the Cabinet meeting identified in this Forward Plan will be held in private because the agenda and reports for the meeting will contain confidential or exempt information as defined in the Local Government Act 1972.

To consider the overview of the portfolio of the Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy.

The Chair welcomed Councillor Robert Taylor, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs, and the Local Economy to the meeting.

The Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy provided an overview of his portfolio, explaining that that it contained the most diverse areas of responsibility, ranging from securing jobs, investment in the economy and strategic responsibility for the built environment. The Cabinet Member decided to focus his briefing on a few broad headlines within this portfolio, which was transport infrastructure, regulatory functions, economic development, and regeneration.

The Cabinet Member stated that economic development drives several of the Council’s key priorities and is also central in contributing towards Rotherham’s vision for growth. He noted an example of economic development, which was the success of the five business centres strategically placed across Rotherham that supported over 150 businesses and provided over 800 jobs. These business centres have enabled 80% of Rotherham businesses to be operating for three years or more as well as supporting 40 new businesses to start-up every year, which has been a significant achievement for the borough given the economic challenges over the last few years. Included as part of economic development was Launchpad, an innovative programme delivered through the business centres that has supported new businesses and enabled both business growth and new jobs created across the borough. The Council has also supported inward investment and business growth through the Rotherham Together Partnership, Business Growth Board, and the Employment Skills Board, which also involves the Cabinet Member’s involvement through his portfolio.

Regeneration was another critical area for the Cabinet Member due to all the developments happening across the borough including building major town projects, and the new Forge Island development, which is the new leisure destination in Rotherham and forms part of the town centre masterplan. The new cinema would be the first cinema in the town centre for over thirty years, which is a substantial achievement and would open to the public on Friday 6^th September, 2024. In addition, to these developments there had been significant investment within Rotherham’s markets along with other investments across the borough, derived from several successful funding bids.

The Cabinet Member informed the commission that the next phase of transformation were the two sites in the town centre that were both integral to the future growth and development of the borough. Additionally, the Cabinet Member also highlighted the success of Rotherham’s advanced manufacturing park (AMP), which has been recognised worldwide, as a pioneering centre that has some of the world’s leading companies on the park including Rolls Royce, Boeing and McLaren Automotive.

The next area discussed by the Cabinet Member was transport infrastructure. He informed Members that this area underpinned all the work that has currently taken place within regeneration as well as in all future plans. Rotherham’s mainline station was another notable example that was highlighted by Cabinet Member, which had provided greater opportunities for regeneration and connectivity for Rotherham by returning mainline train services to the borough. Another  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

To consider the presentation on the Long Term Plan for Towns.

Andrew Bramidge, Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment and Simon Moss, Assistant Director for Planning, Regeneration and Transport presented the draft proposals on the Long Term Plan for Towns.

Members were informed that in October 2023, the previous Conservative Government had identified fifty-five towns across the UK who would benefit from Long Term Plans for Towns. This would be supported by £1.1 billion of funding to drive ambitious plans for the regeneration of these fifty-five local towns over the next decade. As part of this, each town which included Rotherham were asked to: -

·       Develop a Long-Term Plan to invest in and regenerate their town, based on the priorities of local people, and put to local people for consultation.

·       Receive £20 million in endowment-style funding and support over ten years to support the Town Plan, to be spent on issues that matter to local people, including regenerating high streets and securing public safety. This plan will be put to local people.

·       Establish a Town Board to bring together community leaders, employers, local authorities, and the local MP to oversee and deliver the Long-Term Plan.

·       Use a toolkit of powers, from tackling anti-social behaviour to auctioning empty high street shops, reforming licensing rules on shops and restaurants and supporting more housing in town centres.

In response, Rotherham Council developed a draft Long-Term Plan for Towns based on the requirements and proposed funding. Members of the commission was informed that extensive consultation had already taken place with a wide range of key stakeholders including partners and the public. However, since the general election the Council is now waiting for a position update from the new Labour Government before any further work could be undertaken.

The Chair then requested that under section 100 A 4 of the Local government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12 A of such Act indicated as now amended by the Local government access to information various variation order 2006.

Resolved: That the Improving Places Select Commission:

1.    Noted and agreed the presentation on the Long-Term Plan for Towns

To consider and endorse the outline schedule of scrutiny work for the 2024-2025 municipal year.

The Chair noted that there would be some further items to be added to the work programme, which will be shared with commission members. In addition, he noted that there had been two items from the commission’s September’s agenda which had been delayed and would be moved to later meetings, this included the Repairs and Maintenance Policy and the Flooding Alleviation Update.

Overall members agreed with the items on commission’s proposed workplan, but it was noted by Councillor Beck that there needed to be some more additional items which could be considered for a full review or have as a spotlight item added to the work programme.

The Chair asked the commission for any further suggestions, which could be added to the work programme and put forward as future investigations for the commission. Commission members were asked to reply through the chair over the next two weeks, with their suggestions for the work programme.

Resolved: That the Improving Places Select Commission note the outline work programme.

To consider any item which the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency.

The Chair advised that there were no urgent items of business requiring the Commission’s consideration.